1 Chronicles 18-21

David fights for God and wins in 1 Chronicles 18-21.  He knows that God is the source of his success, and he seeks to do what is right for others.  David's faithfulness spills over to those around him and is contagious throughout Israel. As good as David is, I think it is so important to remember that faithfulness doesn't mean he's perfect.  It means David is willing to own up to his mistakes with God when he makes them.  

Even though David makes a mistake in taking the census of Israel's fighting men and later gets caught up in an adulterous murder, David's errors in judgement do not define who he is with God.  They make him human, in desperate need of God's love and grace.

I want to look at a passage I skipped right over at first.  

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. He laid waste the land of the Ammonites and went to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and left it in ruins.

1 Chronicles 20:1

I think, at least for me, I overlook little details sometimes that can make a big difference on my path in life.

David does that in the reading for today.  It's spring, a time when most kings go off to war, and David decides to stay behind in Jerusalem.  The truth of the matter, so it seems, is that he has no concrete reason to stay behind, except that's what he feels like doing in the moment.  David separates himself from those who are a part of God's bigger mission.  He sends Joab (someone else) to do what he should be doing himself, leaving him alone with nothing better to do.

The text today parallels 2 Samuel 11.  In hindsight, we know that this decision on David's part, leads to the biggest mistake of his life with Bathsheba.

So sometimes, it does pay to go with the crowd.  And how are we to make the right call for ourselves?  

As I think through that today, I think about the "spring times" in my life.  How about you?  

There are certain seasons in which God calls us to be active for Him, in the places and ways He chooses for us.  

And one thing's for sure, God doesn't ever want me to disengage from His purpose for me.

It's difficult.  I often struggle with my own feelings.  I get caught up "in the moment."    

I forget that part of faith is surrendering even my thoughts and feelings to God. He is my one and only mighty Counselor and Savior.  He's right here with me.  I just need to include Him in everything so He can keep me on the right path.  

When it comes to God, even the smallest details are part of His perfect plan for us.  He always has "the something better" for us we so desperately want.  

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for the "spring times" in my life when You use the details to put me right where You need me, empowering me to do so much more than I could ever do on my own.  

Forgive me for getting caught up in momentary feelings and losing sight of Your presence and great purpose.  

I pray that You will keep me going in the right direction for You.  I know I need lots of help.  I surrender all that I am, good and bad, to You.  Keep working in me and through me.

I also pray for You to keep working in and through ___________ today.  He/She/they are struggling and need Your powerful loving touch.

In the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior, I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.